Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Osteoporosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin D is scientifically validated as a key component in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption from the gut, which is essential for bone mineralization. Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption is impaired, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone resorption, and subsequent bone loss.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support the use of vitamin D (often in combination with calcium) to reduce bone loss and fracture risk in older adults. For example, a 2014 Cochrane review concluded that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium reduces the risk of hip and other non-vertebral fractures, particularly in institutionalized elderly. The Endocrine Society and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend vitamin D supplementation as part of osteoporosis prevention and treatment strategies, especially in individuals at risk for deficiency.

However, the benefit appears most significant in those with low baseline vitamin D levels or limited sun exposure. The optimal dose is debated, but serum 25(OH)D levels of at least 20–30 ng/mL are typically targeted. High-dose vitamin D supplementation in individuals with adequate baseline levels does not provide additional benefit and may carry risks.

In summary, there is strong scientific evidence for the use of vitamin D in supporting bone health and reducing osteoporosis risk, especially when used in conjunction with adequate calcium intake.

More about vitamin D
More about Osteoporosis

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Birth Defects (prevention)
Body Building
Broken Bones
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leukemia
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Numbness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pancreatitis
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Senility
Tuberculosis